Modi, who spent around 25 minutes at the temple premises amid tight security, offered flowers, bel leaves, milk, coconut water and sweets in a special puja to Lord Lingaraj, a priest who accompanied the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister then went around the temple premises and offered prayers before other deities, he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need to keep the temple premises clean and ensure "Swachhata" all over.

"The Prime Minister was so enthusiastic to know about Lingaraj temple. He prayed for the welfare of the nation and 'Swachh Bharat'," said chief priest of the temple.

Several servitors were also seen taking selfies with the Prime Minister. "It was a rare opportunity and we did not want to miss it," said a servitor.

The 54-metre high temple is spread over a 25,000 sq.ft area and has over 150 small and big subsidiary temples in its premises.

Before leaving the temple, Modi put his signature on the register meant for VVIP visitors.

As a cheering crowd waited outside, the PM walked quite a distance barefoot waving at the people, then went upto the barricade to reciprocate as the crowd shouted "Modi, Modi" before proceeding to Janata Maidan, to attend the second day's proceedings of BJP's national executive meeting.

Before his visit to the temple, Modi met the families of freedom fighters who were part of the Paika rebellion against the British East India Company in 1817.

He felicitated them at the Raj Bhawan.

Modi arrived here on Saturday to attend the two-day BJP National Executive meeting that began later in the day.